# CAREER: Integrating Structural, Social, and Preservation Factors in Tornado Damage and Recovery Models

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA) · $618,863

## Abstract

This Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award will fund research that intends to develop an interdisciplinary framework to improve the resilience of unreinforced masonry buildings in tornado-prone areas of the United States. Unreinforced masonry structures, prevalent in rural town centers and inner-city neighborhoods, play an important role in preserving cultural identity and contributing to social and economic resilience; however, their vulnerability to tornadoes is not well understood or modeled. Through integrating engineering, social science, and preservation perspectives, this research aims to advance the science behind vulnerability and recovery models for unreinforced masonry buildings. The project intends to enhance community resilience, preserve cultural heritage, and support sustainable development in historically underserved areas. A key component of this project is its educational program, which will cultivate a new generation of professionals equipped with interdisciplinary skills to address disaster resilience and recovery challenges in communities dense with older, unreinforced masonry structures. The educational program will include new undergraduate and graduate coursework, hands-on research opportunities for students, workforce development programs, and community co-learning experiences. By bridging the gap between academic research and practical application, these educational activities will prepare students, professionals, and community members to t

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2442653
- **Awardee organization:** Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NPM2J7MSCF61
- **PI:** Rebecca Napolitano
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE, STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS, Haz mitigation of structural sys, HAZARD AND DISASTER REDUCTION, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, CIS BASE RESEARCH, CYBERINFRASTRUCTURE, WOMEN, MINORITY, DISABLED, NEC
- **Estimated total:** $618,863
- **Funds obligated:** $618,863
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2442653

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2442653, CAREER: Integrating Structural, Social, and Preservation Factors in Tornado Damage and Recovery Models. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2442653. Licensed CC0.

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